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Good value official RIM product that has no annoying points.

If you have read some of my past reviews of Blackberry cases you will already know how fussy I am when it comes to the right design and materials, so I won't just settle for a half-hearted attempt to protect my Smartphone - I expect quality and practicality and obviously affordability.

The RIM Blackberry Folding Leather Case is an official RIM (Research In Motion) Blackberry product, so immediately all the benefits of this sping to mind. Official products are generally high quality and very importantly they usually always fit the product they are designed for to perfection. This particular case does fit very well indeed and looks like it was designed for my exact handset, something which isn't always the case.

Priced at around £10 it isn't all that expensive. In the past I have found official accessories to be over-priced, but I don't think RIM wish to take advantage of its customers. Official chargers cost around a fiver, so this clearly isn't a one-off and it is a most pleasant surprise. The clamshell design of the case means that you simply unclip the leather case to access your phone. The benefit of this is not just easy access, it also means that your phone (particularly the screen) is protected from damage. The leather case itself is finished to a high standard and I havn't any problems such as stitching coming loose. The leather case is also very well padded and gives good protection from the odd accidental drop. When I first used the folding case I noticed the strong smell of quality leather, so this is no cheap faux leather plastic.

The jet black colour isn't all that plain due to the branding and detailed stitching which is apparent throughout the entire case. The edges of the folding case carry extra padding for those moments when you drop your phone, and protection overall is very decent. You can attach your phone to the folding case either way up, so you can open the case so that the flap is at the top or the bottom of your phone, so there is some flexibility on that front. I think the way the case has been designed is very respectable, and there is surprisingly nothing that majorly annoys me.

The professional feel and look of the case is a major selling point to me, and is the main reason for actually sticking with this case for a while. I can be very fussy, but this case meets my needs and doesn't hinder the operation of any of the features of my Blackberry Smartphone (other than the camera). Make no compromises with the RIM Blackberry Folding Leather Case.

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Perfect Protection

One of the main problems I have with my Blackberry is the fact that it is in and out of my pocket so much that damage to the screen, marks, dirt etc is inevitable and it really becomes a problem. So much so that I went out prior to Christmas to purchase myself some sort of holder to keep my Blackberry in good shape! Already the grey marks on the back had started to fall, the plastic was getting scratched and the screen becoming dirtier by the day so something had to be done!

One of the first items I cam across, and one that impressed me immediately was this fantastic piece of kit. Costing me £9.99 I was intrigued by the smart leather look and despite it being pricey I went for it and bought it. Really, what is the point in having a nice phone in an ugly case?

All in all in the month or so I have been using it I have been very impressed. As I said visually it is rather nice looking. It's a jet black, leather pouch with a small emblem on the front containing the logo. Its padded too which gives you the extra confidence in it protecting your phone.

The feature on this pack is that it folds. It clips together at the bottom, or top depending how you place your phone I suppose, and flips open vertically. It is rounded at the top with extra padding to avoid the sharp bits sticking in your leg, and similarly at the bottom. It only opens one end so has the feel of a flip phone of sorts. The outside is very durable, stiff and protective and will protect your blackberry against the normal wear and tear it may encounter on a daily basis. My screen has certainly become much cleaner and avoids getting dust, marks from other items in the pocket and such like and will protect against bangs in the bag. It just feels and looks so professional.

Inside the pouch, of which all blackberries fit into, is a smooth interior that wont tear and rip and thus scratch your screen. The phone sits tightly and will not move about too much and it feels so secure.

One problem is it is quite bulky so sticks out of the pocket a bit, not too much that it becomes silly, but it is noticeable. Also it adds weight to the pocket as well as being a tad bigger than the phone so may not be suitable for some pockets. If you carry your phone in a bag or briefcase though this is ideal as its hard with good padding to protect.